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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.